Planning and Purchasing Manager

Purchasing & Planning Manager
Location: Near Hailsham, East Sussex
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Full-time
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing & Planning Manager to join a high-growth, innovation-led advanced manufacturing business.
This is a key leadership position within the organisation, responsible for driving excellence across purchasing, production planning and scheduling. You will play an important role in supporting continued growth, developing scalable processes and ensuring the business consistently delivers for both its customers and suppliers.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing, combined with proven leadership experience and the commercial awareness to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead a team of four professionals and take ownership of purchasing and production planning activities.
You will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, ensuring robust processes are in place while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency and high levels of delivery performance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team of four.
* Create a culture of ownership, accountability, transparency and operational excellence.
* Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery to customers.
* Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery from suppliers.
* Lead production planning, purchasing and scheduling activities.
* Develop scalable processes and systems to support business growth.
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement practical solutions.
* Review and introduce best practices to improve efficiency and performance.
* Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to ensure strong operational alignment.
* Provide commercial and operational insight to support wider business strategy and decision-making.
* Manage priorities effectively within a fast-moving, high-growth manufacturing environment.
* Attend customer meetings, site visits and industry events where required.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Purchasing & Planning professional who has operated successfully within a low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing environment.
You will ideally bring:
* 10+ years' experience in purchasing and production planning.
* At least 5 years' experience in a leadership or management position.
* A proven track record in production planning and purchasing.
* Experience managing and developing a team.
* Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chains and scheduling.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* A structured approach to planning, prioritisation and delivery.
* Strong commercial awareness and the ability to make informed operational decisions.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* A high-energy, resilient and results-driven approach.
* The ability to adapt quickly and thrive within a growing organisation.
Experience across advanced manufacturing technologies would be highly desirable.
Qualifications
You will ideally be degree educated, although candidates who can demonstrate the appropriate level of experience and capability will be considered.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior role within an ambitious, innovative and internationally focused manufacturing business.
You will have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on operational performance, develop a high-performing team and help shape the processes and systems required to support the next stage of the organisation's growth.
If you are an experienced Purchasing & Planning professional looking for a role where you can combine leadership, operational delivery and continuous improvement, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Apply now to find out more